6. Static balance and postural control: Functional reach test 

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Lesson 15: Balance and falls risk assessment in an older person with osteoporosis and aggressive behaviour  Video content 6. Static balance and postural control: Functional reach test 

Functional reach test 

The client is asked to stand next to the wall (without touching it) and extend their arms forward at shoulder height. In the case of clenched fists, the measurement is made at the 3rd metacarpal head. The patient should be asked to reach forward as far as possible without coming out. Then the horizontal distance between the starting point and the end point gives the result. You can make three attempts, and the average of the last two counts in the measurement. 

Assessment:  

– 25 cm or more distance – low risk of falling 

– Between 15-25 cm – 2x higher fall risk compared to normal 

– 15cm or less – 4x higher fall risk compared to normal 

– unwilling to reach – 8x greater fall risk 

Other factors may also need to be taken into account in the evaluation: e.g. hip joint, ankle joint range of motion, core muscle strength. 

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